ASCO: Childhood Cancer Survivors, EGFR Rash Prophylaxis Are InFocus

ORLANDO, June 2 -- Decades of clinical advances have yielded a generation of childhood cancer survivors -- a good news story that might be turning sour as data suggest that some survivors are not following cancer screening recommendations, according to this MedPage Today InFocus program.

Jennifer C. Obel, M.D., a gastric cancer specialist at NorthShore University Health System in Chicago, discussed the challenges of providing continuity of care for childhood cancer survivors, noting that survivors -- by virtue of both history and treatment for childhood cancers -- are a high-risk group and, as such, they require lifelong monitoring.

Dr. Obel moderated an American Society of Clinical Oncology press briefing where researchers reported that compared with healthy siblings, survivors were less likely to have recommended screening exams.

Also featured in this program is a discussion of treatment to prevent skin rash triggered by treatment with drugs such as panitumumab (Vectibix). Dr. Obel tells Peggy Peck, MedPage Today executive editor, that she plans to use the simple prophylactic regimen when treating patients in her practice.

Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD Emeritus Professor University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

MedPageToday is a trusted and reliable source for clinical and policy coverage that directly affects the lives and practices of health care professionals.

Physicians and other healthcare professionals may also receive Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Education (CE) credits at no cost for participating in MedPage Today-hosted educational activities.